Security Oracle News Archive

Downing Street Intruder Arrested

Mon, October 02, 2006

Source: Ananova

A man was arrested after apparently intruding into the secure area of Downing Street late on Sunday night.

A man was arrested after apparently intruding into the secure area of Downing Street late on Sunday night.

The man was spotted at the back of the Prime Minister's residence by officers at 10.36pm, challenged and then arrested. He is now in custody and is being questioned at a central London police station.

The intruder scaled the fence at the rear of Downing Street, in Horseguards Parade, and entered the outer secure area.

He was then challenged by a police officer and there was a brief struggle, before he was arrested.

The man was held on suspicion of affray and assaulting a police officer.

He was found in possession of a knife.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are satisfied that at no time was the Prime Minister at risk."

Westminster Police are investigating the incident.

It is thought police were alerted to the intruder when he dropped to the ground on the other side of the fence into what is known as the "L-shaped road" at the rear of the Prime Minister's residence. As soon as he dropped to the ground, he was challenged by an officer from the Diplomatic Protection Group.

The intruder lunged at the officer, but it is not thought that he wielded the knife during the struggle.

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